Excessive gas in canines is typically related to dietary issues, however, it can also be caused by health issues. If your dog is especially flatulent, you should talk to your veterinarian to determine the most likely cause. Your vet will be help you figure out if your dog's excessive gas is being caused by the food it's eating or if there is an underlying health issue.

Once food has been ruled out, your vet may recommend testing for maldigestion problems that could lead to poor digestion or difficulty absorbing nutrients. Certain breeds like German Shepherds and Shar-Peis may be more prone to developing pancreas insufficiency and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine—which can both result in flatulence. Diarrhea is another common clinical sign of these issues, according to WebMD.com.

Overeating, obesity and inactivity can put canines at higher risk of developing chronic flatulence as well, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, intestinal parasites, and problems with respiratory disease can lead to excessive gas in dogs as well.

Reducing a dog's flatulence typically involves a dietary change, but medications and dog shots may also be needed to treat underlying medical conditions.

Emergency

We do see emergencies during our normal business hours, please call us immediately so that we can prepare for your arrival. If it is after hours, please call VSH (Veterinary Specialty Hospital) at 919-861-0109 which is located about 2 miles from us on Capital Blvd.

Specialty Care

As part of the VCA family, we have over 83 specialty hospitals across the US and Canada which provide referral specialty care, so there may be one near you. Enter ZIP to find VCA specialty care hospitals near you.